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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 only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

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

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room 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 it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, 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 recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match 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 5-0.