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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

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

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - 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 our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

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

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

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

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

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

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning 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 in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.