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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, 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 senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action about it.

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

Evolution Required

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

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change within the top order.

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

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster 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 know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up merely because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.