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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly 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.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and 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 Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question 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 opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.