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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

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

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

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

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared 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 regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.