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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing 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 a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped 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.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

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

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

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

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.