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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

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

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I have no issue with the statements 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 their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

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

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

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