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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

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

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

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

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

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. 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 get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

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

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.