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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 after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, 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 should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

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

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the change within the top order.

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

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance 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 suggested he could bat 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 third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, 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, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.