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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was 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 attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action about it.

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

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

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

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

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

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.