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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

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

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

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked 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 get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest 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 coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England by the throat 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 each match it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.