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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 after playing only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed that 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 realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with what 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 forceful 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 fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty 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 result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

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

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