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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say 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, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors 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 accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

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

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared 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 could face difficulty to get back in, 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 Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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 in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.