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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

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

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

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and 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 about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.