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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external 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 captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result 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 take action to address them.

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came 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 must not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

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

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