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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England don't 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, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great 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 shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no issue with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

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

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

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 remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

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

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.