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Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

They 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 Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

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 return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not let up just because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.