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

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

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

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

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

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

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