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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - 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 what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

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

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

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

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.