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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason 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 a 5-0 series defeat.