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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

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

I got a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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 England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

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

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed 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, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

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