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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

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

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that 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 such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability 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 at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I have no issue with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change in the batting order.

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

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis 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 at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.