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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant 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 stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

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 there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide 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 lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.