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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

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

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

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

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt 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 face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.