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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

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

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, 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 in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes 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 about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when 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 by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

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

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty 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 Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not relent just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it plays, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.