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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

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

I got a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

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

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.