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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

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

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated 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 a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not let up just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.