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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

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

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked 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 get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat 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 third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.