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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - 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 what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

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

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger 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. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener 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 opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature 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 remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.