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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got 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 down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed 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 shared, 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.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

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

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team 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 at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the shift within the top order.

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

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

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

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

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