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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only 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.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

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

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.