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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 after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

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 our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

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

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

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

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed 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 debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is 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 would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.