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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

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

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.