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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I have no issue with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

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

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

The New Opening Pair

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

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.