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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

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

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about 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 push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained 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 our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

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

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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