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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - 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 for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

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

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.