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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure 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 gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

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

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.