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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for 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 them, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I have no issue with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.