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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

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

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen 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 what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which 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 that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, 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 acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat 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 rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up 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 could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.