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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

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

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, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, 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 regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence 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 our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation 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 currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

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

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.