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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

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

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

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

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

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 decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I have no issue with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's 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 dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

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

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.