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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

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

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

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

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.