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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

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

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - 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 what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

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

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

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

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt 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 first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

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