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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked 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.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis 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 suggested he might feature 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 Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this squad 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 5-0.