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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

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

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

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

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster 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 athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

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