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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of 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 play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

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

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

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

I have no problems with what the English leadership 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 in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

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

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the change 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 one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

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

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

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