The English Must to Win Next Test or Ashes Will Get Embarrassing - Legendary Bowler

Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, 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 that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform 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 appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action about it.

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

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance 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 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 will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, 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 batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit 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 merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.