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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

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

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

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

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

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting 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 following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.