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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

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 for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the change within the top order.

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

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters 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 draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

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