England's Need to Triumph in Next Match or Series Will Get Humiliating - Legendary Bowler

Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. 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 sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which 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 seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

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

If England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.