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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

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

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy 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 conceded there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.