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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

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

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I hold no issue with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

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

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

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

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.