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

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

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

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

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change within the top order.

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

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.