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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for 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 amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

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

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

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

If England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change in the batting order.

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

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, 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 might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.