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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered 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 opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.