England's Need to Triumph in Next Test or Ashes Could Become Humiliating - Legendary Bowler

Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

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

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

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

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

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.