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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

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

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment 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.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I have no issue with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

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

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

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

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

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

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.