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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. 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 accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements 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 of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication 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 be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

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