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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted 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 shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

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