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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

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

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of playing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

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

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.