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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, existed a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure 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 a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions 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 had as a group.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

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

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. 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 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 be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

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

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.