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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 after playing a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like 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 external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's 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 involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not relent just because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.