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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, 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 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?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

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 might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.