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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

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

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out 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 - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

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

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

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.