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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits 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? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen 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 our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

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

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

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

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis 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 in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

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

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.