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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott 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 Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly 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 draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.