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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to 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?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

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

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

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

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.