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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

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 for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been 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 only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

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

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.