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Not in the Aussies' 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 cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I have no issue with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

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

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

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

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

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since 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 cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.