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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

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

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been 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 without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.