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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been 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 essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears 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, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide 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.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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