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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

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 gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner 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 under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

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

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

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

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper 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 Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

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

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.