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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

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.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - 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. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say 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, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.