England's Need to Triumph in Upcoming Match or Ashes Will Get Embarrassing - Legendary Bowler

Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become 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 being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

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

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

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

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

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

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.