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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

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

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing 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 duration we had as a group.

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

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

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain 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 remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might 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

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.