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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

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

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

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

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. 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, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.