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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

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

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if 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 defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

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

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian 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 discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis 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 indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered 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 cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.