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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

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

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener 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 opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third 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 effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

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