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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes 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 placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

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

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary 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 amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since 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, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean 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 athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.