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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really 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 Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis 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.

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.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.