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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, 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 during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the change in the batting 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 about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's 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 how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

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 in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.