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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

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

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

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

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.