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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed 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 in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough 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.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

This time, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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