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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure 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 gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should 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. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary 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 due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, 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 was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no issue with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

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

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.