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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just only six days of play.

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

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for 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?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

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

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting 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 take action to address them.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits 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.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. 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 level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.