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

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements 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 stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could 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

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.