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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

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

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 delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Boland and 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 Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really 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 Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

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

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.