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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained 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 victory down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

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

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

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 for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I have no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

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 Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. 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 play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls 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 relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.