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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

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

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got 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 series down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

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

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

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

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

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