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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, 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.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael 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 Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

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

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

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.