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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive 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.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

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

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more 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 aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing 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 of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not let up just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.