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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

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

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed 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 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, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared 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 get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, 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 good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

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