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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

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

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.