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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need 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 forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add 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 for their performance.

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

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for 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 indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in 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 men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

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

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.