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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"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 believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, 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 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 at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.