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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

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

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared 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 debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered 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 some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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