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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

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

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not let up merely because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.