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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

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

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open 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 establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature 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 third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

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

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