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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

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

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan 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 Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not let up just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.