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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. If 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 on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play 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 about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I have no issue with what 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 forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

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

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

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

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

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