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

Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

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

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

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

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

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not let up just 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 plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

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