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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

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

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

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

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - 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 pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

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