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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

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

If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

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

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.