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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

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

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

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

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

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. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, 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" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side 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 remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.