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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, 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 talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

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

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

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

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario 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" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may 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 without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis 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 in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.