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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 after playing only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained 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 pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

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

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam 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 debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

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