The English Need to Triumph in Next Test or Series Could Become Humiliating - Legendary Bowler

Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

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

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

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

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.