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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

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

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped 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 concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis 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 could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not relent just because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.