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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had 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. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which 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" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

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

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared 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 indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.