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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England 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 delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

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

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

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

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman 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 to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand 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 play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

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