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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 after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, 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 have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt 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, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.