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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John 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 voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

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

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

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

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

If England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.