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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 cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing 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 embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, existed a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy 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 their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must 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 strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

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

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

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

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder 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 recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not let up merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

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

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.