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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

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 limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered 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 first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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 men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

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