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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

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

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

If England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.