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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

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

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

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

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

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 rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be 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 will remember how England came 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 cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.