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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should 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 on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots 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 expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united 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 collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action about it.

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

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If 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 a win 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 Doggett.

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 Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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