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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series 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 discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

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

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

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.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know 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 are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide 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.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they have England by the throat and must not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.