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

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

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

I gained a close look at England's style 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 about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the limits 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 the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action about it.

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

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

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

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open 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 opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster 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 effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.