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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 following just only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

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

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced 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 legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.