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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

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 ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

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

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

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 secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

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

I hold no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

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

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.