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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled 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 not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers 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 senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

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 served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis 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 could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.