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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become 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 representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country 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? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

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

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls 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 should not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.