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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was considerable scepticism 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 lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - 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 shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture 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, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

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