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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation 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, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

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

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

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

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough 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 result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.