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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was a lot of 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 discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer 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 it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.