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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

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

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been 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 played 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 there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

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

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.