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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of 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 for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

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

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it contests, 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.