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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

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

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

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

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

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change in the batting order.

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

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, 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 opening pair.

Khawaja could 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 result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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