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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

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

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

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

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I have no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the change 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 only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, so for that reason 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 5-0.