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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 play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual 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 play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective 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 said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open 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 first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

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

The Final Word

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

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

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.