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Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

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

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

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

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

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

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.