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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

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

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no issue with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

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

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis 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 indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.