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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

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

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

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

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough 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 Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

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

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.