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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

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 limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such 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 team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy 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 conceded there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger 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 fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.