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

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

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 to account.

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

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great 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 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 adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder 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 recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

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

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.