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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had 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. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

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

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I hold 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 in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity 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 at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third 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 series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

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