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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

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

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

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

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

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 our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

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

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

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

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

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

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not let up just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.