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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become 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 being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

If England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, 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 a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster 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 know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.