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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

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

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier 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 when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance 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.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.