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Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play 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 regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.

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

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

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

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

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

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

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

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.