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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger 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 because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

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

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

This time, they have England by the throat and must not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.