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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

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

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott 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 Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder 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 recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

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