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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

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.

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 deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

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

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the change within the top order.

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

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener 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 cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

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