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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective 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 stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, 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 might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up merely because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

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