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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current 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 self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, 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. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent 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 pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

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 stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into 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 good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.