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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath 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 said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

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