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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

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

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario 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 concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott 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 Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is 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 only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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