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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for 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 duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I have no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the change in the batting order.

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

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

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, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.