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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.