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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

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

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener 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 adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh 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 rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, 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 change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury 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 might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean 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 know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.