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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

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

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

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

"Yes, there were support staff 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 voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

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 due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

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

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.