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Beyond the Aussies' 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.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action about it.

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, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered 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 Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

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