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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

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

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

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of competing fearlessly. 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 significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, 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 Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.