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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen 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 for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

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