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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. 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 collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

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