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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate 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 has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are coming back. 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 are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.