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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, 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 might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.