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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members 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 team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held 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 legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for 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 duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, 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 opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough 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 mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not let up just because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.