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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view 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, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

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

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

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

If England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change within the top order.

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

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

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

The Final Word

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

This time, they have England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.