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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should 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 very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

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

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. Provided 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 deserve significant credit of credit.

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

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

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

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

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

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.