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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

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

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.