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

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

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

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

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

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

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia 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 essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up 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 establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.