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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

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

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

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

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

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

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

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

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

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

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

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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 athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval 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 captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.