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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - 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 volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

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

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.