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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current 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 an incredible turnaround.

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

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

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

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, 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 might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat 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 every Test it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

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