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Not in 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.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

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

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

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

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.