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Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I have no issue with what the English leadership 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 forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest 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 players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.