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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, 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 team.

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

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

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

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

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

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.