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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

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

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener 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 first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

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

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.