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

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

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

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

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

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval 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 recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

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

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.