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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. 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? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

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

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way 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 like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for 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 might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not relent just because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.