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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. 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 in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as 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 were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent 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 often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must 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 forthright in the media, 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? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer 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 required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 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.