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Beyond Australia's 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 placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

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

I got an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

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 often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which 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 seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

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

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered 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 revelation for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter 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 following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

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