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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

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

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

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

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper 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 Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

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

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.