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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

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

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

A Critical Juncture

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

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players 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 captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, just 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 in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.