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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

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

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

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

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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