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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

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

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable 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 big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

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

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

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

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

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