The English Must to Win Next Match or Series Could Become Embarrassing - Legendary Bowler

Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - 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. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

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

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.