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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

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

A Culture in Question

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

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

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit 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 been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.