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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united 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 collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

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

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could 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

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.