The English Must to Win Upcoming Test or Ashes Will Get Humiliating - Legendary Bowler

Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third 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 ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as 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 voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

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

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

Had England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

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

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 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.