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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener 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 sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

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

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.