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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

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

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.