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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

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

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared 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 could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's 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 how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not relent just because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.