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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

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

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the shift within the top order.

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

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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