The English Need to Triumph in Upcoming Test or Ashes Could Become Humiliating - Legendary Bowler

Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of play.

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

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

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 of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

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

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action about it.

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

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - 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 stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

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 will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

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