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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined 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, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario 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 that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

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

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

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. 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 regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came 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 relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

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