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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

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

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

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

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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 English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

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