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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

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

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening 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 during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia 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 Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is 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 desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

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 must not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 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.