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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

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

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best 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 always ran the dressing room."

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, which 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 seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

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

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, 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 has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance 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 suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.