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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

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

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

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

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

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

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

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

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

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

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.