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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to 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 talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

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

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.