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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed 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 flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.