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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

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

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

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

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

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

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, 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.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

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

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.