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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

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

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse 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 exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

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

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united 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 flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

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

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

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

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

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

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

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

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came 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 just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

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

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.