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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

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

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval 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 recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.