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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

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

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

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 was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba 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, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated 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 Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

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

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