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Not in 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 put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, existed a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should 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 told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

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

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up 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 Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough 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 rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. 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 a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.