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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

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

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 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.