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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? 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 Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

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

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

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

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for 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 duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

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

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

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's 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 required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.