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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

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

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

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

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems 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 could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third 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 dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

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