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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

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

It put them riding a crest 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, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

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

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

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

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

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