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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

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

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion 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.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

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

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action 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, one can be sure 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 like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury 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 first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated 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 rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.