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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

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

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

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

Even as a young player, 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 faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

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

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide 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 captain the side.

The Final Word

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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