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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but 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 throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but 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 have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the duration 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.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.