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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side 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" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

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

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

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

I have no issue with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. 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 contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

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