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

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

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

I got a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had 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 often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, 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 accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis 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 suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

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

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.