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

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

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

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder 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 injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batters 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 are aware England poses a threat.

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

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.