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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current 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 an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If 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 in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play 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 Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables 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 top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

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

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis 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.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.