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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

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

A Critical Juncture

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

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

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

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained 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 used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for 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 might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.