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

They were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

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

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been 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 stated there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

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

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, 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, then it really could be 5-0.