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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - 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 what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

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

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

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

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

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

This time, they have England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.