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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

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

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I have no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

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

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.