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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

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 served 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 duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, 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 deficient in personal responsibility.

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

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

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

I have no problems 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 stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been 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 only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.