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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits 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?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

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

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, 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.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, 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 might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.