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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put 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

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error 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 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 had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

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

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? 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 be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean 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 athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.