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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of play.

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

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

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

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 every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

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