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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

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

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - 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 what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, 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 support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents 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 would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like 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 will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.