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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John 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. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

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

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

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

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.