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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way 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 of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I have no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, 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, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in 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 understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering 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 alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.