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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

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 deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, existed a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

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

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

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

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia 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.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

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

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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