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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing 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 all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems 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, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a 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 a 5-0 series defeat.