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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, existed considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the duration 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 while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

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

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

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.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

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

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.