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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

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

Series on the Brink

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

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

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

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I have no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

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

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis 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 indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.