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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external 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 such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing without fear. If England can incorporate 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 been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

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

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.