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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

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 got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup 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 Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

This time, they have England by the throat and should not let up just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.