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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

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

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper 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 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 on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, 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 team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just 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 like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's 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 athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.