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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams 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 during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

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

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 from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

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

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came 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 must not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.