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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

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

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia 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 Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third 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 setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.