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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

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

I got a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

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

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.