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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

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

I got an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push 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 top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

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

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. 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, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw 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 key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.