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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry 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 an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to 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?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

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

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

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

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

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided 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 lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster 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 involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

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.