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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this 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.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries 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 ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

Had 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 anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not let up just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.