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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for 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 England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

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

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.