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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide 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 discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

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

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

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

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. 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 - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed 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, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients 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.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

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

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, 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 came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.