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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I hold no issue 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 even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in 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 men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not relent just because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.