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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, 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 on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler 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 yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate 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.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.