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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

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

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

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

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, 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 forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of competing 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 been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

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 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 might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide 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 involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

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

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.