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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country 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 get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

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

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - 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 used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

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

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

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

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

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

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.