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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger 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 had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I have 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

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.