The English Must to Triumph in Upcoming Test or Ashes Will Get Embarrassing - Legendary Bowler

Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, 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.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits 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 been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean 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 men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it can win each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.