The English Need to Triumph in Upcoming Test or Ashes Will Get Humiliating - Legendary Bowler

Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

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

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out 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 told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

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 add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.