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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

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

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

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

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

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, 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 good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.