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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't 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. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held 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 due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

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

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.