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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

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

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

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made 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 legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. 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 collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

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

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

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's 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 it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.