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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got 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, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.