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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. 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 on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

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

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott 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 Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish 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.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. 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 return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.