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

They were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made 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 legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, 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.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.