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

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

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

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

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

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

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

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

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

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

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster 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 athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.