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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

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

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - 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 - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.