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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

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

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

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

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

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

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

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

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger 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 without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

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

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, 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 change in the batting order.

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

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

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

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

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