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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

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

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country 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? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

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

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

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

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is 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 essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's 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 athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.