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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

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

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If 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 in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

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

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

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

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

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

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

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

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.