England's Need to Win Next Match or Series Will Get Embarrassing - Legendary Bowler

Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

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

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.

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

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

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

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is 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 only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared 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 indicated he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

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