The English Need to Win Upcoming Match or Series Will Get Embarrassing - Legendary Bowler

Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

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

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

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

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

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

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

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

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