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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt 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 about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

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

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.