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Not in the Aussies' 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.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. 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 sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, 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 competing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.