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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

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

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

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob 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 of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, 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 opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.