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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

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

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just 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 ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.