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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

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

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed 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, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

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

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

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

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.