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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper 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 Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster 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 it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.