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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

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

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no problems with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance 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.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide 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 recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad 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 a 5-0 series defeat.