England's Must to Triumph in Upcoming Test or Ashes Will Get Humiliating - Legendary Bowler

Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

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

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

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, 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.

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

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.