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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

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

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said 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 predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.