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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

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

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

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

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

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

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

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

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener 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 first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.