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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

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

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

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

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

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

I have no issue with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the 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 Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.