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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener 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 unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

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

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. 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 suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner 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 last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

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