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Beyond Australia's 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 placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded 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 looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

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

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.