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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

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

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it plays, therefore this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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