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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

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

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as 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 had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - 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 our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

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

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's 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 men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, 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. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.