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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

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

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

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

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I have no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

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

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster 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 understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

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

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.