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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

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

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no problems with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in 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.

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

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

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

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.