The English Need to Win Upcoming Test or Series Could Become Embarrassing - Legendary Bowler

Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to 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. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

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

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I hold no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

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 hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

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

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.