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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great 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 shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

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 remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen 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 recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.