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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

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

Series on the Brink

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

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.