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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion 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 aggressive strokes 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 regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

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

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

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

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.