England's Must to Win Next Match or Ashes Will Get Embarrassing - Legendary Bowler

Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

I have no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.