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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.