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

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

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

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits 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 like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for 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 their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

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

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

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

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered 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 should not let up just because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.