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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong 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? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

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

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.