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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

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

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach 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, existed a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John 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 have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. 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 deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance 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.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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 hold England by the throat and should not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.