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

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

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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 limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

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

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, 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 predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish 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.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.