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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil 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, before executing a remarkable reversal.

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

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt 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 is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen 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 what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

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

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

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

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

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

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

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.