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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry 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 in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained 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. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into 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 provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.