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

Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

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

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

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 used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

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

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

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

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third 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 effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.