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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

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

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.