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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

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

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

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message 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 them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

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

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment 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, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered 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 must not let up merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.