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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. 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 an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.