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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

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

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

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open 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 cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.