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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

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

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism 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? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

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

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish 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 result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

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