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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

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

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

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

If England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question 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

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

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. 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 seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

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