The English Must to Win Next Match or Ashes Could Become Humiliating - Legendary Bowler

Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining 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 an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia 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 essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis 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 rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.