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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

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