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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to 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 about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

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

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

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