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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

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

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out 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 addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

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

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

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

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.