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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

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 what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered 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 has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not relent just because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

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

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.