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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory 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 find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing 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 amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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 have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift 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 one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.