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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I have no issue with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

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

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

Settling the Order

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

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not let up merely 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, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.