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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

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

I hold no issue with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated 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 will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return 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 hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.