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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

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

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action about it.

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

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess 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 lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster 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 men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, 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 will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

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.