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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest 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.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"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 young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - 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 pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

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

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

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

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

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

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

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

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.