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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push 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 top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing 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 that England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

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

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

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.