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

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which 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 that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

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

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

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

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

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

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of 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, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

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

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.