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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

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

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

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

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

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

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

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

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

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