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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, 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, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

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

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

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

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent 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 pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss 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 English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated 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 third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.