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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps 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. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, 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 take action about it.

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

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

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

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

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

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

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.