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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

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

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the change 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 one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.