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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, 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. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed 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 what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no issue with what 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.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

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

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.