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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

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

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

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

I got a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers 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 sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated 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 all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and 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 after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and 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 regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

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

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

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