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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

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

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I have no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the change within the top order.

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

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, 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 find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

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