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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just 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 self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

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

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

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

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, 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 the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.