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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

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

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - 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 our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both 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 English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team 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 other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt 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 cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. 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 recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.