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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

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

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.