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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong 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? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

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

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

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, 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 find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

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

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

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

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