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

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

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 was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

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

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action about it.

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, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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.