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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable 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 get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for 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 adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis 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 at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.