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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply 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 in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. 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 looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came 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 relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.