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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

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

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way 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 when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

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

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained 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 for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

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

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, 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 find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat 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 rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

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

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking 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 5-0.