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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

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

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John 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 ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and 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 within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not let up just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.