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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

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

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism 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 discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

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

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

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

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake 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 legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

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

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

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

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.