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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

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

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action about it.

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

Evolution Required

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

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

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

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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