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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but 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 responsibility of the team.

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

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united 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 team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the change within the top order.

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

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

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