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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

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

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

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

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.