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Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, existed considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

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 even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

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

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance 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.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall 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 last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because key players 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 should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.