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Not in 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 play.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

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

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

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

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner 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 are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.