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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener 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 in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

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

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

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

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

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 incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis 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 indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

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

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.