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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders 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 even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted 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 have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for 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 might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for 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 dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.