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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not let up just because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

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