The English Must to Win Next Match or Ashes Could Become Embarrassing - Legendary Bowler

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

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest 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. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.