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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest 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 concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

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

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

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.