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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

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

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.