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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

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