The English Need to Win Upcoming Match or Ashes Could Become Embarrassing - Legendary Bowler

Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all 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 athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations 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, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - 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 our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

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

I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

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

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

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

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.