England's Need to Win Next Test or Ashes Could Become Humiliating - Legendary Bowler

Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? 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.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played 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 there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit 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 some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.