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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, existed considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

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

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

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

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries 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 understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

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