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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 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 an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

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

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

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

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

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

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

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

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

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

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not let up merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.