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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries 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 are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had 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 for each other. 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 spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum 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 support the aspect of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation 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 only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think 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 are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.