The English Need to Triumph in Upcoming Match or Ashes Could Become Humiliating - Legendary Bowler

Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

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

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not let up merely because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side 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 have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.