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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just a mere 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 second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to 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 expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

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

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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 a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.