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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary 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 shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result 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 have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.