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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 after playing 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.

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

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.