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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure 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 delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting 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 conceded there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing 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 faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide 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 captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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