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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

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

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

If England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. 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 suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly 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 previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.