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

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field 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 regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

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

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

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

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.