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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

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

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded 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. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand 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 participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. 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.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent just because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

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

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.