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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated 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 addressed.

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 our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, 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 has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

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