England's Need to Win Upcoming Match or Ashes Could Become Embarrassing - Legendary Bowler

Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup 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 being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

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

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

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team 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 yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

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

I hold no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.