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Not in the Aussies' 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 England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - 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 was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

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

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

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

Khawaja could find it tough 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 Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

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