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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

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 of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I have no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return 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 should not relent merely because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.