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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 following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

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

I gained a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I have no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the change within the top order.

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

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came 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 must not let up merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.