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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained 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 victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

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

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.