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Beyond the Aussies' 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 cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side 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 perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

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, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

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

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

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

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

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and 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 play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

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

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand 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 contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

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