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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had 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 used to say we united 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 collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

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, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

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

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

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

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.