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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

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

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the shift within the top order.

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

That debate has been settled, just 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 like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's 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 understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, 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 came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.