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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

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

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - 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. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I have no issue with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

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

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in 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 athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.