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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable 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, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

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

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain 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 for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

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

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

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