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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

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

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the shift within the top 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 predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

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

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.