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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate 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 pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

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 seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

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

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the change within the top order.

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

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.