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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

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

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

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

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.