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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be 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 lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

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

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.