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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists 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 gave the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great 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 shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.