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

Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

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

I got a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed 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 in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong 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 playing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly 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 level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.