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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

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

I got an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt 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 were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

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

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

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

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.