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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted 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

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears 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, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.