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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout 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 considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss 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 the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, 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 remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.