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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario 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" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

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

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the change in the batting order.

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

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean 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 athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.