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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. 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 accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

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

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders 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?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess 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, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

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

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

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