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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

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 a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger 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 united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

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

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

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

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.