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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I have no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener 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 might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate 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 alike. 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 a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.