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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

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

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more 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 competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

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

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

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

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