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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary 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 shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury 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 get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

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

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.