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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

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

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 deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, 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 problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

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

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.