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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their game 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 problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

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

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

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

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

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

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.