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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

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

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

This time, they have England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.