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

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen 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 what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no problems with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

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.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because key players are returning. 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 about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.