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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

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

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the change within the top order.

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

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment 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, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.