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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but 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 talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire 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 external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

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

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no issue with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.