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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.