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

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

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

Finally, in the aftermath 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 take action to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

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