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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

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

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.