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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced 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.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and 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 about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just 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 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 might feature at number five.

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.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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