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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

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

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great 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 sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no problems with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

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

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.