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

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

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

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - 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 had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I hold no problems with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know the immense effort 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 series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent just because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.