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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 following just a mere six days of play.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about 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, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences 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 great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team 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" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation 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 would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

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

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.