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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

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

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the idea that external 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 such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, 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 need to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

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

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

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

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

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

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.