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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for 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 their game, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.