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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - 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 - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening 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 bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.