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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

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

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

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

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted 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 Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

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

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, 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 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 mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

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