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

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

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective 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 essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

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

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.