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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

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

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. 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 concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

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

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, 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 conceded problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty 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 being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must 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 contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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