The English Need to Triumph in Next Match or Series Will Get Humiliating - Legendary Bowler

Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

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

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

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

Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

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

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I hold no problems with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

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 understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.