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Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if 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 frequently - they were told.

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 served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no issue 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 forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition 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 for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

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

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.