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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.