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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits 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 when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing 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 there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis 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 indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.