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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing 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 personal responsibility.

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

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

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.