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

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate 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 should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love 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 on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer 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 required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit 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 some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.