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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained 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 ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of 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 big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

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

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I have no issue with what 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.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

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

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.