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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, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

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

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

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

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

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

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning 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.