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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

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

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance 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 might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in 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 batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

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