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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

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

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

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

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

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

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

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

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.