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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt 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 expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I hold no issue with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

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

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

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

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up 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 cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because some big names are coming back. 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 team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.