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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

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

I gained a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

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

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

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

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work 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 are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.