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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

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

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

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

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster 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 understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide 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 recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.