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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series 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 of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

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

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

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

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.