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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look 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 series down under, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran 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 someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third 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 injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.