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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 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 reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

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

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

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

That discussion has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

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