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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

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

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should 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 in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

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

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature 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 rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up merely because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.