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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

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

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. 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 sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

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

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.