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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, existed a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I have no issue with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

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

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

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

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not let up just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.