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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I have no issue with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement 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

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

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

The Final Word

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

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

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