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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

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

I gained a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure 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 regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

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

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems 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 indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.