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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

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

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate 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 predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.