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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

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

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top 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 - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it 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 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.