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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love 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 high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

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

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.