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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

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

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

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

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

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.