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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been 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 ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for 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 suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.