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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't 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 about this tour being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the notion that 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 such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.