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

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed 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 play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

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

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

That is an unfortunate situation 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 are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

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

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.