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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

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

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence 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 our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

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

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman 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 Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not let up merely because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

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