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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits 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?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

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

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

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

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

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed that 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 in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

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

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

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

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because key players are returning. 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 are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.