England's Need to Triumph in Upcoming Test or Ashes Will Get Humiliating - Legendary Bowler

Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

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

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

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

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together 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 not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning 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. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.