England's Need to Win Next Match or Ashes Will Get Humiliating - Legendary Bowler

Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

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

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen 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 our actions served the team and for each other. Opener 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 adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

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

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

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

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

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