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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

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

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement 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 result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

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