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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, existed considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation 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 when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style 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 suit the conditions.

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

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

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

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

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been 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 absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.