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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look 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 victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

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

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

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

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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 a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

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

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way 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 have looked like a different team. Now, it appears 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 could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. 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 becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.