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

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

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

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed as if 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 appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster 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 athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

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

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.