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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

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

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

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

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, 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, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.