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

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and 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 voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

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 that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.