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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message 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 their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.