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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and 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. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - 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. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

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

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

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

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

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 like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner 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 previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely 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 plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.