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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 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 in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

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

I got a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, existed a lot of 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 play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

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

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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 England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide 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 effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall 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 draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.