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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

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

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

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

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.