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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need 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 forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

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

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.