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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

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

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

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

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

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

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.