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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, 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" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

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

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.