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

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I have no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been 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 essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster 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 dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

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

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.