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Beyond Australia's 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 put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.