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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

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

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

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

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate 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 during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

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.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

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

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.