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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 after playing only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. 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, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in 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 how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.