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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

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

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, 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.

A Culture in Question

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

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

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