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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

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

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

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

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.