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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

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

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

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

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.