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Not in the Aussies' 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 cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way 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? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

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

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

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

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

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