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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look 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, existed considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend 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 are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had 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 for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

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

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I have no issue with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

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

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster 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 how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.