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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

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

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. 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, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. 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?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

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 discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.