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

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

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

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - 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 stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

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