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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't 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 talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.