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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

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

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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 decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

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

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.