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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held consequences 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 - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

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

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide 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 effort that goes into recovering 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 good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.