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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

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

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

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

A Culture in Question

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 decided pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting 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 acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.