England's Need to Triumph in Upcoming Match or Series Could Become Embarrassing - Legendary Bowler

Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

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

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained 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 used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of Pat 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 remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

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

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues 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 understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

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

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

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