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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that 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 like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing 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 a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

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

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

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 remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.