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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

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

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

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since 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 to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in 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 understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. 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 be back to lead.

The Final Word

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 should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.