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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

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

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, 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 must take action to address them.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

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

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.