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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

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

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united 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 on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

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