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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson in how to play the longest format, 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 Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

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

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

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

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.