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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading 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

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as 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 were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - 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. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia 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 one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.