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Beyond 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 play.

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

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for 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 flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty 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 England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

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

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.