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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John 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. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

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

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

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

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could 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 will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.