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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, 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 senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

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

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

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

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.