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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery 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 only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

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