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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

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

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

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

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win 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 Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener 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 opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

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

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

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.