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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

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

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

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

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

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