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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If 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 on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed 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 had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath 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 to do something about it.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just 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 in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

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

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.