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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

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

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered 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 Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

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