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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts 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 confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country about the way 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 under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries 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 ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change in the batting 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 concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know 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 participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.