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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

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

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment 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 might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.