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

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

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

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

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

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

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

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. 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 an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

If England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the 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 will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.