England's Must to Triumph in Next Test or Series Could Become Humiliating - Legendary Bowler

Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

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

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.