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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

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

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated 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 adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.