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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

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

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

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

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated 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 expected.

Settling the Order

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

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.