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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

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

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

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