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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean 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 athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

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