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

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

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

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

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.