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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

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

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

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

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. 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 series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not let up just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.