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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

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

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

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

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.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems 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 suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not relent just because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.