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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for 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 effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.