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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

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.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

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