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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario 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 accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, 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 - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury 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 might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not let up merely because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.