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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting 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?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

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

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive 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 team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I have no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top 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 is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

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