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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

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

If England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance 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 could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.