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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

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

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

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

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

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.