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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil 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 at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. 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. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

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

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

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

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

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been 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 concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.