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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

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

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed 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 batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

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