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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look 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 in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

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

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

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

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I have no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

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

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, 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 batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent just because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.