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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

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

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

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

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership 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 behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

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

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.