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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

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 heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way 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? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.