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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

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

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

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

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning 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.