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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

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

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united 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, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

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

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess 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 play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

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.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold 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 can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.