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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

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

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

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

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

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

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

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

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