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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots 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 expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

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

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.