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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back 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, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.