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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 a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

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

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested 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 not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

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

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt 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 first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide 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 that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.