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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

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

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.