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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 after playing only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get 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, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

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 to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.