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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

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

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style during 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 a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced 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 of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no issue with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and 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 for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. 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 regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.