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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary 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 due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I have no issue with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

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

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might 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 English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

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