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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

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

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I have no issue with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

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

That discussion has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

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 an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

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

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.