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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy 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 conceded problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

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

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance 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 debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

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