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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

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

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed 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, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger 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 embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

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

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

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