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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

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

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

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