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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view 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 in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.