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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain 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 of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the shift within the top order.

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

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.