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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps 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 excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

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

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

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

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be 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 lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

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

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.