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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for 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 unit.

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

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

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

If England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

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

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.