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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with 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 the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

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

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

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 often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. 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? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

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

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in 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 how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.