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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view 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 series down under, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

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

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

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

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of Pat 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

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury 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 first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.