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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, these factors prove simpler 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 pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee 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 playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh 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 rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in 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.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

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

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest 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 coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.