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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the limits 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 ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure 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 without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, 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 predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury 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 get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.