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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

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

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look 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 down under, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods 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 validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players 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 skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

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

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.