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

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

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

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

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great 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 pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is 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 has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

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